Replacing power from fossil fuels such as oil with power from renewable (green) resources is a major goal of our society today. Wind power is one of the most promising renewable energy sources. Except in rural situations, such systems have not been very practical for use by consumers. However, there are some new developments in home wind turbines that may well change this situation.

This kind of power has been used by humanity for thousands of years. Sails on ships were probably the first application. Windmills have been used to pump water for about a thousand years, and they used to be a common site on American farms. They have been used to generate electricity for about 100 years.

Its major problem as an energy source is that it doesn’t blow all of the time. This is not generally a problem when using it to pump water. However, people want electricity when they want it, not just when there is a breeze. For off grid electricity generation, it usually has to be used with a battery pack to ensure constant availability of power.

A consumer operated wind powered electrical generator can be used in conjunction with the electrical grid. Current regulations require electrical companies to purchase surplus power from individuals. This makes home generators more practical for consumers, but there are still a couple of problems. The typical windmill or turbine tends to be large, noisy, and (to some people) unsightly. Fortunately, new technology is beginning to alleviate these remaining problems.

One key development is the vertical axis turbine. Conventional windmills are referred to as horizontal axis. They are relatively large and must pivot when the direction of air flow changes to fully exploit its energy.Vertical axis systems do not need to pivot as they can work with a breeze coming from any direction. They are also quieter and more efficient than conventional designs.

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Based on the vertical axis turbine approach, the Secret Energy Turbine design incorporates all of its advantages. It is also designed to eliminate most complaints from neighbors. It looks much like a chimney, and when mounted on top of a house and painted appropriately, it is hard for the neighbors to tell that it isn’t a chimney.

The Secret Energy Turbine has a low friction mechanism that allows it to operate at very low speeds. It is robust enough to withstand winds up to 90 mph. Its high performance and innovative design make it a good candidate for widespread adoption by consumers.

Improving technology is a key factor in the move towards more use of green energy. Wind power will probably never be the only source of electricity for most people. However, new developments in home wind turbines make it a better fit for many households.